Be A Hero
If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with my boxer. The truth is, I like dogs more than I like most people. This makes helping with animal rescue come naturally. Adopting instead of buying a dog or a cat gives you the chance to save a life! There are countless healthy, friendly, lovable dogs and cats scheduled for euthanasia in shelters right now. Once I realized the need for fostering and adopting was so immense, it just didn’t make sense to buy another dog.
I initially got involved in dog rescue when I spotted my first foster, Carino, on Facebook. I remember being brought to tears when I saw how starved and neglected he had been. So, I contacted Marcie Glass, the manager of Boxer Rescue of Texarkana. I started contributing by donating money and my time. Next, I began visiting the kennels at Westridge Animal Hospital, and soon my heartstrings were tugged enough that I brought Carino home; the rest is history. I was hooked!
I have adopted three dogs from Boxer Rescue of Texarkana since around 2012: Carino (renamed Lazarus for his second chance at life), Levi (lovingly known as “PawPaw”), and my current rescue, Gus.
Gus is my special boy, because I rescued him as a puppy! Once his health was stable enough to come home with me, I picked him up from his foster mom. He was between 10-12 weeks old at the time, and Gus has been a joy ever since. He truly keeps us laughing every single day.
Many people aren’t interested in rescues because they don’t think they can get a puppy or a purebred dog. However, if you look around in shelters and rescue groups, there are usually a lot of puppies and purebred dogs available to adopt.
However, don’t underestimate the joy you can get from adopting an adult dog. This is a great option if you don’t have the time to spend house training or obedience training a puppy. Typically, the rescue group can give you thorough information about whether they are house trained, crate trained, friendly with other dogs, cats or children, or answer any other questions you may have. I’ve gotten spoiled by the convenience of adopting adult dogs who didn’t need to be house trained or to be taught basic obedience.
If you are ever interested in rescuing a puppy, dog, kitten or cat, please check with your local rescues and shelters before you buy! You can find your local rescues with a quick search on Facebook or Google. If you can’t foster or adopt, please consider donating some of your time or money to help with the amazing efforts of these rescue groups and all they do to help with the overpopulation of dogs and cats in our communities!
There are several resources in the Texarkana area for pet adoption or who could use your time or donations.
Texarkana Animal League - 877-525-4825
Boxer Rescue of Texarkana - BoxerRescueofTexarkana.com
Passion for Pooches - 903-826-2535
Jeff Tarpley Rescue - 903-490-2959
Muttley Crew German Shepherd Rescue - 903-244-9600
Poodle Patch Rescue - 903-244-9137
Texarkana Humane Society - 903-824-8117
Ark-La-Tex Animal Rescue - 903-280-2588
